Hello everyone! Newbie here. I would be very grateful if I received some advice!!
I’m a 22 year old male and since I was around 18 I have suffered both Hair loss and anxiety.
Regarding my hair, although not completely bald my crown has thinned quite significantly and I have what is referred to as a “Mature hairline”. For the past, few years I believed male baldness was the problem and have been on various medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil which has made it neither better or worse.
In addition, I have been diagnosed with “General anxiety disorder”. I have been on various SSRI’s for years now with little sign of improvement…If anything my anxiety is getting worse. I have had periods of depression which is a common symptom with it.
Although it may be completely coincidental…My hair loss and anxiety began at the same time (18). I thought nothing of it at the time until It seemed suspicious that they both began at the same time.
The past few weeks I have been researching for any other medical/health reasons that Hair loss and anxiety are affected by and I have some interesting findings that may be the culprit.
I went to the doctors to have a Full blood count (Complete blood count) and I have been prescribed Folic Acid tablets as my levels were low.
Additionally, they tested my TSH which apparently came back normal (My GP never gave me the figures). But having browsed the symptoms of thyroid problems, many symptoms I have experienced especially with my hair and anxiety. But others include
Quick weight gain and loss
Sweating
Thin outer eyebrows
Constantly thirsty
Rapid heartbeat when anxious
Tiredness (Trouble sleeping and sleeping too much)!!
Frequent urination
Also, I have noticed that one of my eyes Is slightly bigger than the other? Not sure if its related or not
I have booked another appointment with my GP to enquire about a full blood test since I have read TSH tests alone are next to useless!!!.
Would Hyperthyroidism be a likely condition or am I clutching at straws here?
These conditions really are destroying my life! Constantly anxious and self-conscious about my hair. I feel worthless
and my life is not worth living with these conditions
Welcome to our forum and I'm very sorry that such a young person like yourself has been consumed with worry about your clinical symptoms which sound very unpleasant.
I shall give you a list of clinical symptoms and you can tick off those that you have:-
Make the earliest possible blood test, fasting (you can drink water) and ask for a Full Thyroid Function Test. The usually only do about two.
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Get a print-out of the results with the ranges and post on a new question for comments.
Your GP or the lab may not do all of the tests above but he certainly should do the vitamins/minerals. If you can afford a private test for the ones that are not taken, we have private recommended labs.
You can also ask for a print-out of the ones you've had done by GP, with the ranges and post for comments. We are entitled by law to have our copies and some labs ask for a nominal sum for paper/ink. Mine charge 30p.
Sorry to hear how unwell you feel. I hope you can get all the blood tests done soon. Perhaps you'll feel less anxious now you know there are people here who can give some help and advice from their experiences. Make sure the doctor tests for thyroid antibodies when you get your blood tests done.
Hello Tom, so sorry to hear your story and glad that you have found us. You will get good advice here. Please take care of yourself in all ways: nutrient rich diet, rest, supplements and try to do something to calm the anxiety. Easier to say than to implement I know but many of respond well to a paleo diet with not too much sugar or processed foods, and protein at every meal. There are lots of sites out there for info but re anxiety and depression Kelly Brogan has a well thought through approach. My son had a phase of difficulty whilst at uni that he didn't discuss much but his house mates, course and vegetarian diet with low protein all contributed. Hopefully you can address the relatively simple items that may be relevant to you and that the continuing issues will be clearer. Good luck.
Hi Tom, I'm so sorry that you feel so low. I hope you know that you are so much more than your appearance or your symptoms and the strength you are showing in dealing with this so young is more wonderful than any hairline. That said, I know it (edited by Admin) sucks to have to deal with this when it seems like no-one else does. But you've come to a good place. I was a bit younger than you when my hyperthyroid hit and it did give me anxiety. However many of your symptoms are also associated with stress and GAD. I'm not sure how much bigger one of your eyes is but when I was recently worried about my eyes I noticed that actually a lot of people's eyes look different, I guess like eyebrows they are sisters not twins. I do not in any way wish to dismiss your symptoms but I guess maybe reassure slightly. I agree with everyone who said you deserve a full thyroid and vitamin test with a print out. However graves (thyroid eye) and hyperthyroidism affect the tsh quite significantly, I believe. Best of luck and I hope you update us, Cat
Usually the NHS only does a TSH and T4 but maybe your doctor will be able to add the others. If not you'll have to get them privately if you can afford it and at least it will give you a much better idea of what to do next.
Tom. Regarding the finasteride and minoxidil that you've used, hopefully you have now stopped. These can induce a condition widely known as post finasteride syndrome which could be related to some or all of your physical and mental symptoms.
Further details are available on a forum called Swolesource (PFS link). I joined a few months ago following some similar symptoms after using same medications. Good luck.
Hello everyone!
I have come back from my GP appointment and had a print out of my blood test. My TSH level was 3.9. Maybe I have hypo???
The range was 0.4 - 5.0
He said that it was nothing to worry about but he agreed following on from my concern to have a thyroid test (with T3+T4 this time) so we'll see what happens.
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